CHURCH schools in Sussex have produced more than 1000 works of art for a competition run by the diocese of Chichester to raise awareness of the “Year of the Bible”.

Artworks have arrived in the diocesan offices in many shapes and forms, including a full-size Goliath, a number of whales, and several arks. More than 70 schools took part.

An innovative entry came from the Mallings community: they collaborated with a local artist to create an installation of the loaves and fishes, depicted through 5000 My Little Pony figures. The panels are now on display in Trinity Church, South Mallings, in Lewes.

The Director of Education for the diocese, Dr Ann Holt, who was one of the judges for the competition, said: “There were six themes to the art competition, including Bible stories and characters. We are delighted that so many of our schools have taken part in this competition.”

Other judges were the Bishop of Horsham, the Rt Revd Mark Sowerby; Marc Steene, from the Pallant Gallery, Chichester; a local artist, Annelies Clarke; and a children’s book illustrator, Antonia Howard. Prizes were awarded for 3D work, painting, and drawing.

Ms Clarke described the judging process as “simply a treat. . . It felt a bit like Elijah discovering how many prophets there were left in Israel. It was wonderful to see how the Bible can inspire, even today.”

Prizegiving events have taken place across the diocese, and a selection of artwork is on display at Chichester Cathedral until 27 July.

Lydia Dixon, a winner in the Key Stage 4 category, said that she was “over the moon. . . I will use the art materials to help me with my A-level studies next year, and I have put the vouchers towards my next art project of weaving. It was an honour to use my art to glorify God.”